On a day when I am feeling apprehensive but inescapably optimistic, I really, really hate having to hear about crap like this (from the Indianapolis TV station WISH):

Rep. poll monitor's credentials revoked * Phil Sanchez * Edited by Hyacinth Williams INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The Marion County Election Board said a Republican poll monitor was intimidating Democratic voters and has revoked his credentials.

His name is Adam Longworth and he was the Republican challenger assigned to Warren 9. The Marion County Clerk's Office said Longworth was challenging voters based on party affiliation.

Election officials said challengers can challenge voters on things like residency, but not party. The clerk's office also told 24-Hour News 8 that Longworth had the challenging paper work signed by the Republican clerk who was also working the poll.

Election officials said they know of at least three voters who Longworth scared into voting provisionally.

"Personally no it was not intimidating for me because I've been doing this a long time and I was going to vote and I'm going to vote my conscience, but for people who are first timers I think it could of been," said Paula French, a voter.

Both Longworth and the clerk were removed from the polling precinct.

The case will be reviewed by the grand jury and Longworth could face criminal charges.

I hope the bastard does face criminal charges, and even more important, I hope there are consequences for the clerk. When poll workers start conspiring with partisan thugs, it represents an actual threat to the democratic process.